Job Description - EXPIRED

The Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION) is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and committed Vice Chair of Trustees’ who would support the Chair in ensuring the Board functions as a cohesive unit and deputise for the Chair, as appropriate. The role involves working closely with the Board of Trustees and the Executive to achieve ION’s charitable aims and objectives and to safeguard the long-term future of the organisation. This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in steering the organisation through a period of change and to increase its impact in the sector.

About ION

ION’s principal purpose is to provide high quality education, training and information on Nutritional Therapy. The organisation has recently celebrated 30 years of successfully training nutritional therapists and offering courses to the growing number of people interested in learning more about nutrition. Our mission is to educate and enthuse, instilling optimum nutrition as the foundation of health for all. ION is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee with an annual income of £1.3m per year and 30 staff. Any surplus generated is reinvested into projects to raise awareness of the importance of nutrition in maintaining and improving health and wellbeing. For further information, please visit our website: www.ion.ac.uk.

The Candidate

The successful applicant should have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the roles and responsibilities of Trustees of a charity. We are seeking an individual with a strong track record in leadership at Senior Management or Board level, including experience of managing multiple direct reports and overseeing organisational change. All applicants should have an interest in nutrition and offer strategic vision and ambition along with the ability to support, challenge and energise our Board.

Trustees are responsible for setting the strategic direction of the charity and for ensuring it delivers the charitable outcomes for which it has been established. You would be expected to attend Board meetings four times a year at ION’s Head Office in Richmond (London) and to participate in appropriate Board Committees or working groups, as well as attending the Annual General Meeting in November and the ION Graduation Ceremony in September. The role is non-remunerated; however travel and other approved expenses are reimbursed.

The closing date for applications is midday (BST) on Friday 22nd April. Applicants are asked to provide daytime and evening contact details as well as a CV and covering letter. Shortlisted candidates will have an initial telephone conversation with an ION trustee in the week beginning 9th May and formal interviews will take on Tuesday 17th May.

To Apply

Those wishing to apply should send a current CV and covering letter (no more than two sheets of A4) by Friday 22nd April 2016 to chair@ion.ac.uk.

Applicants are requested to ensure that the covering letter clearly articulates how they meet the criteria within the person specification. Please use specific examples to evidence that you have the relevant skills and experience.